CARE announces car donation for Johnny Florez

Isabel Aguirre is overcome by emotion as CARE Executive Director Yolanda Rigales Diaz announces to Johnny Florez that a car was donated by an El Paso dealership to assist him in getting to appointments during the Race for CARE 5K Run/1K Walk held on National Cancer Survivors Day, June 4, 2017.(Photo: Polo Orta/For the Sun-News)Buy Photo

"Patient parking at these big hospitals can get expensive," said CARE director Yolanda Rigales Diaz. "Some people are paying $200 a month for parking.”

Diaz and her team were at the Mesilla Plaza on Sunday — National Cancer Survivors Day — to put on one of the group's big fundraisers — the Race for CARE 5K Run/1K Walk. The group also honored one special CARE recipient at the event.

Johnny Florez, 89, is one of the most well-known residents of Las Cruces. He's a mariachi musician and has been performing, with his wife Isabel, at various locations in the Mesilla Valley for the past 45 years. Many will recognize Florez, guitar in hand and sombrero on head, from his shows at the Las Cruces Farmers and Crafts Market.

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Adrianna Peña reaches into the bin to select a raffle winner as CARE Executive Director Yolanda Rigales Diaz assists her at the Race for CARE 5K Run/1K Walk held on National Cancer Survivors Day, June 4, 2017.(Photo: Polo Orta/For the Sun-News)

The CARE organization and Superstar Motors Inc. owner Sean Bryan surprised Florez, who is currently battling cancer, with a car.

CARE had tried helping Florez get a reliable car through fund-raising efforts earlier this year, but the first car turned out to be not so reliable, Diaz said.

“For the other car, I had to fix the seat so that I could get into the back seat,” Florez said. “With my condition, it’s pretty hard to get into the back seat of that car. I understand that with Yolanda, they’ve got another car which is easier to get in to go to my doctor’s appointment."

The car presented Sunday was donated by Bryan, through his El Paso-based dealership.

Other gifts and prizes were raffled to cancer survivors attending Sunday's race, including gift cards and assorted items. High Desert Archery donated $100 in cash for the top raffle prize.

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Runners head to the finish line as spectators applaud their effort during the Race for CARE 5K Run/1K Walk, held on National Cancer Survivors Day, June 4, 2017.(Photo: Polo Orta/For the Sun-News)

Runners formed teams in support of specific survivors, whom they represented by wearing original T-shirt designs.

Juan Peña wore a shirt depicting an anchor, along with Team Clarissa, in support of his wife Clarissa who is in remission.

“We felt like it was something we needed to do as a family to create unity and show others what can be done for cancer research," Peña said. "The biggest thing was the fact that my wife caught the cancer in time for it to be treated, and without the research these fundraisers are for, I don’t think she would be here today. I told my son as we crossed the finish line that we’re going to do this again.”

The largest team was McBizzle, supporting Alyssa McBee. The team sported black shirts with an image of a cancer ribbon and the American flag. Mcbee was on the team and competed in the race.

“CARE helped me get back and forth between here and Houston when I got diagnosed, so it’s a good organization,” McBee said. “It’s overwhelming because I have about 45 people on my team wearing my shirt. Last year I didn’t make it through the run because I felt really sick, but this year I made it all the way through because I’m healthy.”

Some participants ran as individuals in support of the cause.

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Teah Roga, 15, crosses the finish line in third place for her age group during the Race for CARE 5K Run/1K Walk, held on National Cancer Survivors Day, June 4, 2017.(Photo: Polo Orta/For the Sun-News)

Las Cruces High School principal and brain cancer survivor Jed Hendee, said the event was an opportunity to enjoy a morning run on the historic Mesilla Plaza.

“This is my third anniversary of getting the tumor removed from my brain, so I figured this would be a nice way to spend my Sunday morning,” Hendee said. “Today was great, even though I got 10th, it was great. I’d like to see the numbers increase so that this might become a city-wide or region-wide event.”

Diaz reports CARE has raised over $312,000 in its four years.

“We offer support for home expenses, transportation, and many other things," she said.

In addition to raising funds for cancer patients, CARE wants to raise awareness about the disease.

“There are 114,000 people in New Mexico living with cancer," Diaz said. "Recognizing those who have to take it day by day is very important. Events like this run are very touching and emotional.”